FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — Venango County had to resend out Republican absentee ballots after a small error was discovered.

According to Shelly Hartle, Chief Clerk/County Administrator for the county, the original absentee ballots asked for voters to vote for Republican State Committee person and to “vote for one,” but the wording should be “vote for not more than two, one male and one female.”

Because of that slight difference, the absentee ballots had to be reprinted and sent out to those who had already requested them.

With the new ballots out — which were received April 30 — the Election Board agreed to accept all absentee ballots postmarked by May 11.

Hartle said the Election Board’s approval of the May 11 postmark deadline was a requirement of the Department of State.

“The Department of State said we needed to check with the solicitor and get the approval of the Election Board,” Hartle said.

Election day is May 15, and the county will be doing a public test of the voting machines at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11.

COUNTY ENTERS TO CONTRACT TO DEMOLISH BUILDINGS

The county entered into five contracts with Landscaping Connection totaling $70,950.00 to demolish five properties within the county.

The properties to be demolished and their costs are:

• 211 Lambert Street in Franklin — $12,990
• 529 ½ Third Street in Franklin — $13,990
• 623 Hillside Avenue in Franklin — $16,990
• 1007 East 2nd Avenue in Oil City — $13,990
• 1550 Pittsburgh Road in Franklin — $12,990

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business the commissioners:

• Approved an air conditioning maintenance agreement at the prison with Trane. The agreement calls for inspections two times a year at a cost of $1,600 per year for three years.
• Approved an engagement letter for the 911 PEMA Audit. The Audit is paid for by PEMA.
• Appointed Josh Sterling to a 504 Sub-Committee, which handles HUD Regulations.
• Approved an annual Fair Housing Resolution, which is required to obtain CDBG monies and named Sterling as the contact person for any fair housing concerns.
• Modified the 2017 Venango County CDBG Grant application for $90,006. The money will now be used for low income/moderate income job creation at the Cornplanter Square Building.
• Entered into an agreement and a notice of internet to award for Emlenton Borough demolition with Landscaping Connections in an amount of $24,795.
• Ratified an amended memorandum of agreement for the Dotter Road Bridge. It goes from a rehabilitation of the bridge to a removal of the bridge.
• Approved a contract with Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc for stone aggregate on the Dirt/Gravel Road Project. They were also informed that the project is completed.
• Approved the Oil City Rotary Club’s adoption of the Lake Side Pavilion project in the amount of $500.
• Proclaimed June 10, 2018, as Rev. Dr. Lora Adams-King Day in Venango County. Adams-King is celebrating a 20th anniversary of pastoral service in Venango County. Adams-King is affiliated with the New Life Family Worship Center in Franklin.

See related story: Tawney Hired as Administrative Assistant for Venango County Commissioners